Baron by Joanna Shupe

Author:Joanna Shupe [Shupe, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-09-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Ava could not stop trembling. She sat at a small iron table in the hotel’s crowded café, thankfully an establishment where women were permitted to dine alone or with other women. Otherwise, an unescorted woman would have presented a problem.

But Will had known, obviously. The careful consideration of this location should not surprise her, undoubtedly a result of his many illicit trysts over the years. He was clearly experienced in seducing a woman, evidenced by his ability to turn her into a puddle of desire last night at Mr. Price’s house. How could she have possibly refused him?

Something about seeing him there with another woman had caused her to act rashly. Ridiculous, when she had no right to be jealous. Logically, she’d known as much, yet a small part of her needed Will to want her—not some girl only interested in his money. And whatever the reasons behind this line of thinking could be unearthed precisely never.

The urge to flee welled up for the thousandth time since accepting his proposal. The man was pompous and privileged, the complete opposite of her in nearly every way. It’s not too late. You can still leave. But she wouldn’t, not now.

Because you deserve one afternoon of selfishness. One afternoon to merely enjoy herself. How long had it been since she’d done that? Years, most likely. There were countless things to do every day, responsibilities she could not shirk. And every penny had been saved or spent on the family—never on her.

One afternoon. That was all she wanted. All she needed. After today, no more selfishness. This day would sustain her for years, the memory of an afternoon where a handsome, enthralling man had been desperate for her. Then she would walk away with her heart intact.

A tall figure across the room caught her eye. Will. Heart pounding in her throat, she watched the shift of his broad shoulders, the length of his long, confident stride. Thigh muscles bunched under his navy trousers with each step. Heavens, he was beautiful. Men should not be this appealing; it was unfair to the women of New York.

His mouth hitched when he saw her, something akin to relief shining in his gray gaze as he sat at her table. “Miss Jones,” he murmured in his cultured, deep voice. “I had my doubts you would actually show.”

She swallowed. “I’m a woman of my word, Mr. Sloane.”

He reached into his coat pocket and placed a handkerchief on the table. Then he leaned in and said quietly, “Inside is a key to room four-oh-four. Take the stairs there now, and I’ll follow in a few minutes. Did you settle your bill here?” He indicated her half-empty china cup.

“Yes, I did.” She stared at the white linen handkerchief. Was she truly going to do this? How could she not do this? No one had ever caused her to feel this dizzy or desperate. When would a chance like this, with a man she craved to the bottom of her toes, arise again?

“I cannot risk conception.

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